Starbucks Olive Oil Coffee Is Not Bulletproof Coffee! Nutritionists Do Not Recommend Ordinary People Drinking Extra Virgin Olive Oil Directly

Starbucks' Olive Oil Coffee: A Revolutionary Concept

Just before stepping down as Starbucks' interim CEO this February, Howard unveiled a product the coffee industry had never imagined: olive oil coffee. He claimed it would "change the coffee industry" and become "a very profitable new member of the company."

In interviews, Howard explained that the inspiration came from Sicilians who drink a tablespoon of olive oil straight, first thing in the morning or before bed. They believe it helps lower blood lipids and blood sugar, and benefits the elderly and people with high blood pressure or heart disease. Some health-conscious people do the same, convinced it improves sleep.

As for adding olive oil to coffee, Starbucks made no health claims about the product itself — but it clearly hoped customers would be drawn in by the halo of extra virgin olive oil.

Market Response and Consumer Feedback

Howard knew such an unconventional product wouldn't be an easy sell worldwide on day one. He chose to debut it in Italy first, gauging local reaction before deciding on the US, UK, Middle East, and Japan. After all, Starbucks' first foothold in Italy had also been rocky at the start, and the brand had since planted itself firmly there — hence his confidence. If Italians didn't accept it, he said, he wouldn't return to Seattle. That's how sure he was.

For its first three days in Italy, the product did generate real buzz — a niche preparation method being pushed by a global chain naturally piqued consumers' curiosity.

The response, however, was lukewarm. Most found it too greasy, though a small minority genuinely liked it. Despite the middling performance, Starbucks pushed ahead, bringing the product to the US one month later. Within three days of the US launch, many consumers reported that the olive oil congealed in cold drinks, looking like lard and clinging to the mouth with a greasy film that lingered long after the last sip — a thoroughly unpleasant finish.

Health Concerns and Professional Opinions

Then more and more consumers began reporting on consumer platforms that they suffered stomach pain and diarrhea after drinking it — some cases severe enough to require a hospital visit...

Even before olive oil coffee landed in the US, some netizens had posted warnings telling people with sensitive stomachs to steer clear. But people... the more you warn them, the more they insist on trying it for themselves...

On the combination of olive oil and coffee, registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade says it isn't a sensible pairing. The caffeine and acidity of coffee already irritate the gastrointestinal tract, while olive oil acts as an intestinal lubricant — combine the two and stomach pain and diarrhea become very likely. A 16oz olive oil coffee contains up to 34 grams of fat, more than many people consume in an entire meal, and that much oil is especially unfriendly to anyone with a stomach condition.

Because olive oil is liquid, it reaches the digestive tract faster than solid high-fat foods, and without carbohydrates or fiber to buffer the effect, it can catch people off guard. Most consumers grab olive oil coffee on the go and rarely pair it with a meal — which explains why so many reported diarrhea. The dietitian added that this combination isn't suitable for the general population: drinking olive oil straight is normally done under professional judgment and guidance. However healthy olive oil may be — one of the world's recognized healthiest oils, rich in beneficial nutrients — we shouldn't ignore what it does to the gut.

As for the growing wave of consumer complaints, Starbucks has yet to respond.

Image source: Internet

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

You don't need gimmicks for a great cup. FrontStreet Coffee recommends honest, well-sourced beans instead: the Ethiopia Guodingding (washed Yirgacheffe with jasmine, citrus, and berry sweetness) and the sun-dried Huakui for naturally sweet, fruit-forward brews, or the Brazil Cerrado Red Bourbon and Queen Estate for smooth, nutty-cocoa comfort.

For a creamy coffee without the grease, try building your latte or cappuccino on the FrontStreet Classic Blend — designed for espresso with thick, silky crema that beginners can pull from any home machine — or the value-focused Dark Cocoa Blend (100% Arabica), a barista favorite with almond-cream smoothness in milk drinks.